After reviewing the minutes, staff would like to clarify how the conference finances work: OTA signs a grant with ODOT for up to $30,000 to help with conference expenses that are not covered by registration income. After all the bills are paid, OTA bills ODOT for up to $30,000. In order for OTA to make a profit from the conference it would have to make enough money from registration fees to not need any of the grant money plus some. The conference is looked at as an educational endeavor and not a money making venture. Due to the success of the conference ODOT has tripled our grant agreement over the last three years and we are able to bring in some real top rate speakers. Below is last year’s budget to give you a better idea of how this works: Download PDF.
Campaigns
a) Eastern Oregon: Cliff Bentz vs someone from Burns. Could MaryJo ask if Rep Bentz needed help? Good idea if seat not contested.
b) Multnomah County – Cyreena Boston is intriguing. There are 2 others in the race as well.
Transportation Committee
Hard to get it’s attention right now.
RVTD
Julie Brown interviewed Dick Feeney on how to keep system afloat. The Chamber of Commerce is only supportive if no payroll tax is involved. The RVTD board is not great either. Feeney thought maybe a property tax increase for E&D? Salem is considering one, but there are concerns about compression. Jim Beard asked about how payroll taxes are collected and Roger gave some history. There was also some discussion about payroll tax vs property tax. Apparently Corvallis pays for transit from its general fund.
Connect Oregon II
Reviews are in process. There is still a problem with how projects are chosen. Transit still appears to have difficulty due to the fact that some criteria are more heavily weighted than others.
There was a discussion of the various projects and how they are faring.
New ethics rules are in place and Roger expects them to cause a significant problems. If folks have questions about the rules they can call the commission at (503) 378-5105. Ernie suggested that OTA include as a topic for the Conference.
Transportation in Congress and Legislature
Blumenauer – Surface transportation bill will be very different, very green and very pro-transit.
Governor says that the upcoming legislative session will be a pro-transportation session. He is invited to the OTA conference. Ernie suggests that OTA be supportive of road and bridge funds as well. Tillamook, Columbia, and Klamath are all in dire straights.
OTA needs to work to get members to step up for a gas tax increase. R’s in particular need to step up.
Olivia spoke about the Governor’s three committees: Public Awareness, Vision, and Governance.
What about cigarette tax? Gov wants to stick with children’s health only. It has been suggested to the Gov that OTA and seniors groups might be able to help if some went to E&D Transportation. ChipTerhune was intrigued but non-committal.
Discussion of SAFETEALU reauthorization – how do we get there?
Climate Change – Warner-Lieberman is in Senate right now. Looking for 1% for transit, though transit advocates are looking for more. In Oregon, Legislature passed bills to reduce emissions. Transportation sector causes about 38%. Cleaner cars, VMT, Transit, and land use all part of the solution.
New Charter Regulations
Feds want to privatize charter operations. These new rules are being worked through right now. Private operators think they are not tough enough, others think they might be too tough. Apparently rural properties are exempted.
Ernie wondered if there is a direct conduit to the Governor’s committees. Yes, in that Michael Ward is part of the process. Olivia suggested that OTA needs to start talking now to drive home the sense of urgency. Mark believes this is our best change for funding. Aaron presented a sample “profile of independence” which is being developed to give good stories to key legislators throughout the state.
Roll out the plan of attack in the next OTA meeting.
Jim Beard has two key members: Rep Jensen and Rep Nelson, though apparently the Tribes don’t get much help. Few members, even obvious allies, have completely bought into this problem. And sometimes when they do the get derailed easily.
Olivia suggests that the Governor may need OTA’s help. OTA needs to decide who the key members are.
What are the possible options for funding?
Ernie is concerned that STF funds are dropping, and Jim feels like Umatilla has been held back because of E&D transit costs and the fractional funding by STF. Olivia suggests that there needs to be some criteria and that we should focus on trying to match “green” with “elderly”.